Minnesota Senate Advances Cannabis Legislation

LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Senate has passed a measure aimed at advancing the regulation and legalization of cannabis, with a narrow vote of 34 to 32, following its approval in the House last month by a 69 to 62 vote. State Representative Zack Stephenson (D) introduced the bill, which now requires a conference committee to address amendments made by the Senate and reconcile differences between the two legislative bodies.

Senator Lindsey Port (D) expressed continued commitment to nurturing the nascent industry, emphasizing the bill’s role in ensuring a smooth market launch and supporting Minnesotans involved as the industry matures.

The legislation positions Minnesota to begin issuing licenses for cannabis stores this summer, with store openings projected by fall—significantly earlier than the timeline established by last year’s state cannabis legalization law, signed by Governor Tim Walz, which anticipated store openings by 2025.

Additionally, the bill proposes transferring oversight responsibilities for medical cannabis and hemp-derived products from the Department of Health to a newly established Office of Cannabis Management. Representative Stephenson highlighted the bill’s shift from a subjective to a more objective licensing process, aimed at reducing litigation and expediting implementation.

Governor Tim Walz is expected to sign the unified bill once it reaches his desk, marking a significant step in the state’s cannabis regulatory evolution.